Like Pushkar I went to Ecomondo, and there I had the very special opportunity to test drive the new Toyota Mirai, the first hydrogen powered mass produced car EVER!
The reason why I am so hyped about this car is because it is a revolutionary step in the mobility sector: Powered with hydrogen it produces just vapor from the tailpipe. The electricity produced that powers the electric motor with 155 hp and max speed of 180 km/h comes from a fuel cell that transforms hydrogen into electric power.
The possible range with one fuel load is around 550 km which makes it comparable to the max range of conventional cars with combustion motors.
Enough theoretical facts, how is it to drive this 80.000 € car? It is very silent! When you start the engine you can hear just a silent buzzzzzzzing sound coming from the electric engine. Lifting your leg from the break lets the car moves and just a slight push on the acceleration pedal is like “whooooww, that’s fast!”. Handling is fine and harmonic, the interior is futuristic but still cleaned up and organized.
One big problem with hydrogen cars is that the gas station net is very weak or not simply not existing; the car I tested has to be refilled at Bolzano where the only plant for refilling hydrogen in Italy is located.
